What is intercontract?

In the world of consulting, web agencies or Digital Services Companies (ESN or SSII), intercontract or intermission is a transition period during which an employee awaits his next missions with a client.

Project stoppage, absence of an assignment to be filled immediately at the end of a long commercial contract, accumulation of several short projects that do not cover a full time... The reasons for an intercontract period can be numerous.

During this period, the employee is required to remain available to his employer throughout the duration of the intercontract, with his salary being received in full over this period.

On paper, this situation may seem idyllic. Who wouldn't want to get paid for doing nothing? In reality, many employees fear intercontracts, because it can very quickly lead to a lack of motivation and confidence, to a feeling of being left out or even to a feeling of heightened stress, especially if it is repeated throughout the year...

It is therefore essential, for the company and for the consultants, to anticipate this period as much as possible so that it is as short as possible and that the rate of intercontracts in society is as low as possible.

Nevertheless, the intercontract remains unavoidable. So here are some of our solutions to make this period easier to live with!

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What are the rights of intercontract consultants?

Intercontract is a state of fact and not a right.

No definition of intercontract is proposed in the Labour Code. It is therefore necessary to consult the “Syntec” collective agreement (relating to technical design offices, consulting engineering firms and consulting companies) to find out more about the rights applicable in this situation.

Under no circumstances can inter-contract be a reason for dismissal. The status, rights and fixed remuneration remain the same over this period. Only variables can be removed (bonuses, bonuses based on goals, travel expenses and restaurant tickets if the intercontract takes place at home...). Your employer may also ask you to take vacation, RTT or paid leave (by warning you 2 months in advance).

Do not hesitate to consult the memos or your HR team to find out more about the regulations in force in the company concerning these various points. Note that if the intercontract is carried out at home, you must be careful to remain reachable by email or telephone during the opening hours of the company.

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Making the intercontract rhyme with solidarity commitment

To overcome the negative consequences associated with these moments of latency, why not start engaging in solidarity?

Intercontractual employees can thus take advantage of this period by engaging in long-term volunteer activities in the field. A great way to stay motivated and to give meaning to this period that can sometimes last several weeks!

It is obvious that for certain types of businesses, missing out on these intercontract periods is unthinkable. Taking advantage of these moments to carry out solidarity activities is therefore perfect for leaving the company framework and developing pride in belonging at the same time.

It is also a great way to have a positive impact on the local territory. Without neglecting the tax deduction, which is a significant financial asset for the employer.

The needs of associations are numerous and everyone will be able to find something for themselves. Here are examples of associations to get involved in:

• The Walk of the Fireflies : by bringing a little warmth to the hearts of homeless people (several places in Paris).
• H'up entrepreneurs : by becoming a mentor for an entrepreneur with disabilities and supporting them on marketing, financial or commercial strategy issues (everywhere in France).
• The Salvation Army : by organizing a collection of food, hygiene and care products in your own premises.
• Grand Hainaut Second Chance School : by helping to redesign its website (in Anzin).
• Energie Jeunes : by helping students from 5th to 3rd grade to believe in their chance of success, to develop their autonomy and their academic perseverance (everywhere in France).

As you can see, the action formats are quite varied. It is possible to engage in one-off and short-term missions, mentoring over several weeks, mentoring over several weeks, sponsoring skills based on a particular expertise or even managing the collection of material donations. Intercontract periods will allow you to meet the urgent and unexpected needs of associations. Essential support for them!

Committing to the general interest will be beneficial in more than one way for employees who want to get started. In addition to keeping your mind and hands busy, you will be able to develop your soft skills, such as empathy or curiosity, open yourself up to new horizons, meet new people and give your energy to a cause that is important to you. There is no shortage of good reasons to get started!

Read also: Find the cause you care about: 10 inspiring ideas

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The example of the consulting firm Davidson

Many companies already encourage skills sponsorship over inter-contract periods.

Let us cite the example of Davidson who, as part of its Solidav solidarity commitment program, has chosen to allow teams in intermission to engage with associations on an unlimited basis. And that, in addition to the 3 annual days allocated to all employees, thanks to Komeet. Thus, 8% of solidarity missions are carried out by consultants on an inter-contract basis.

Maëliss Delacroix - CSR and social/societal impact manager at Davidson

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What to do during your intercontract?

In addition to engaging with an association, there are also other actions to put in place to manage the wait for new missions. Here are a few examples:

• Update your knowledge : take the opportunity to acquire or deepen knowledge in your field of expertise. You can take online courses, participate in webinars, or read specialized books. Note that if relevant training is offered by your company, you are required to take it at the risk of being fired.
• Network : participate in events, conferences or informal meetings to meet other professionals in your sector. Use professional social networks like LinkedIn to make new contacts and maintain existing relationships.
• Work on your personal branding : refine your resume, update your LinkedIn profile to develop your online presence, and create a blog or website to share your expertise and experience. This can help you stand out to potential employers.
• Develop personal projects : also take the opportunity to develop delayed personal projects. Whether it's writing a book, starting a business, or developing an application, intercontracting can be a good time to bring your ideas to life.

Your employer can also take advantage of this period to offer you the opportunity to work on internal tasks, in line with your skills and your classification: implementation of tools, Research & Development, process improvements in the team, etc. You can of course refuse this request if it does not correspond to your position.

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How can Komeet help you?

Several of our partner customers use the platform Komeet to develop the solidarity commitment both of their employees but also of their intercontractual collaborators. We help them by building together a catalog of solidarity actions dedicated to inter-contract teams. And we also identify associations with which to set up long-term skills sponsorship projects based on the qualifications of employees.

Did you know that? Our comprehensive reporting also makes it possible to specifically analyze the actions carried out by this audience. An effective way to see the impact generated by this delay that is a prima facie lost if it had not been dedicated to associations.

In summary, it is possible to reverse the trend to consider the intercontract as a period of opportunity. The secret is to approach it proactively. Take the opportunity to develop your know-how, expand your network, but also support one or more associations of general interest. This will help you stay active while maintaining meaning in the missions carried out and thus make the most of this transitional stage. Discover how Komeet can support you in this process!

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